Commander's Comments | Sep 2012

Brandon Mullins - Ann Arbor No 13 Avatar.png

Sir Knights,

I write this looking forward to the upcoming Grand York Rite Session. I wasn’t able to attend last year, but this year will be particularly exciting as I’ll be able to see two men who have been a part of my Masonic life from nearly the beginning take roles as the heads of their respective grand bodies, and get to experience their vision for the York Rite in the ensuing year. 

In addition I’m looking forward to our upcoming inspection with Ypsilanti Commandery No. 54. It took some time but we worked things out, and I think we have a solid team that will make this year’s joint inspection a fantastic success. To make that success possible we have scheduled weekly practices every Thursday at 7pm at the Ypsilanti Masonic Temple, 5752 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti MI leading up to our inspection.

The inspection itself will take place on Saturday morning, the 15th of September at the Ypsilanti Masonic Temple. Sir Knight Paul Raggow, Grand Generalisimo and Sir Knight Donald L. Trumbull, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Commandery of Michigan will be the Inspecting Officers. The Commanderies will open at 9:00 am. Coffee and rolls will be available at 8:15. A buffet luncheon will follow closing at a cost of $10.00 a person payable at the door or by check to Ann Arbor Commandery No. 13.

For reservations, no later than 8 September, please contact: 

Arthur W. Davidge, HPC, Recorder 

Ann Arbor Commandery No. 13,K.T. of MI

4551 N. Maple Road,  Ann Arbor  MI  48105-9614

Voice/FAX: +1 734 769 6982

adavidge@umich.edu

Inspections serve as the high point of activity for many Commanderies not only requiring us to put on our most complex and illustrious order, candidate or none, but also allowing those of us who have a variety of Masonic duties the excuse to put emphasis on Commandery. So of course all of us preparing for an inspection are thinking about Commandery, talking about Commandery, and inevitably will get questions about Commandery. And likely the most prevalent question I’ve received is really, “What is this distinctly Christian body doing in predominantly nonsectarian Freemasonry?” Well it is indeed a Christian body. There is no doubt of that. Admittance to Commandery enjoins Sir Knights to defend the Christian religion, and express their preference to it above all others. This in effect makes the Knights Templar Christian body. But why have a Masonic body that serves a specific faith? I would break it down into three reasons.

First is history and tradition. Wherever you stand on a practical historical Templar connection it can still be said that first and foremost the Knights Templar is an institution founded upon the Christian Religion. To attempt to remove that from the body would contradict its very nature. And once again regardless of history, Christian Templarisim has been a long held part of Freemasonry and while a variety of other Masonic bodies deal with Templar legend, some requiring Christian faith while others not doing so I would say that the Knights Templar most specifically speaks to the Christian experience, and most directly takes on the Christian aspects of Templarisim which leads me to my next point.

As someone who has been active in Commandery for several years and currently serves as Commander I can say that the orders themselves are written with the Christian initiate in mind and while I have known many Commanderies to knight non-Christians I have found that these companions tend to get significantly less out of the Orders. The only Order that isn’t specifically tailored to Christianity is the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross which while near and dear to my heart carries with it a legend that makes its appearance in Christian and Nonsectarian Masonic bodies alike including the Scottish Rite, Knight Masons, and Red Cross of Constantine. It is broadly shared and not unique to the otherwise Christianity centric Commandery. When speaking about Commandery and advising non-Christians about their potential admittance I’ve often said “it is what it is” and what it is, is a body focused Christianity, and the Christian experience.

But the third, most practical, and I believe most important part is that the world needs more rational chivalrous Christians. Christianity is the world’s largest religion and arguably the most divided. With a myriad of denominations and conflicts that have lasted centuries, the world needs an organization where men can unite and support the faith as a whole. Now Commandery is not a church just as Freemasonry is not a religion, but Commandery’s duty to support the Christian faith cannot be understated. The Knights Templar of old may have been Catholic warriors who in the minds of the profane have become synonymous with crusaders but primarily they were defenders, researchers, historians, archeologists, and theologians who researched their faith in a way the west never thought possible and ended up seeing their open-mindedness become a charge of heresy that doomed them to the stake. We live in an era where the majority of churches make little effort to attract rational minds and chivalry is dead. Joining Freemasonry means you have expressed a willingness to embrace men of other faiths as brothers and have taken a look at your faith through the eyes of naturalism. In the Royal Arch you are imbedded in Jewish thought which is the basis of all Abrahamic faiths, and in joining Commandery you have been so vetted by your previous experiences that we know you are willing to look at your Christian faith with wisdom and rationality. These men of course are a rare commodity in a world full of extremism, and lukewarm attitudes but Commandery serves as a resource for those who are willing to practice their faith shamelessly and rationally as well as defend it from extremists who would serve to steal it from us rational men whether they come from outside the faith or from within. In addition Commandery seeks to revive the concept of chivalry within the hearts of these modern Christian men, bringing back traditions long forgotten in our materialistic secular world that lead men to charity and pure beneficence making our fame known far and wide. 

But our fame has weaned. The Knights Templar, a thinking man’s Christian Chivalric Order found deep within the recesses of Freemasonry has atrophied in recent history, leading it to be a shadow of its former glory. But I think that can be repaired, I think we can achieve greatness once again, not only because we can but because the world needs us to. We need more rational chivalrous men as pillars of the Christian world building bridges and making the faith of our fathers respected and honored as it should be. For that we need Christian Masons to read about the Knights Templar learn about our history, and learn about the work we wish to do in our communities. But most importantly talk to a Sir Knight about why he joined and why he feels Commandery is important to his Masonic and Christian life. You’ve just read the opinion of one man, but throughout the local Commanderies you can find countless experiences, views, and beliefs about the subject and I hope you take the time to listen to them.

As for the non-Christian in York Rite as a whole, I can assure you that you will never be pressured into to joining Commandery by me or any of my Sir Knights, and assuming you join both Council and as well as Chapter your York Rite experience will never be seen as incomplete and your views will always be respected. But should you chose to join Commandery I have used the following quote as a guiding principle:

Symbolic masonry teaches the observances of the cardinal virtues admonishes to walk uprightly before God and man. In the asylum, a purely Christian institution, founded on the Christian religion, the Sir Knight, impressed with the spirit of chivalry, grounds his faith in the teachings of the Divine Master. If templarism has no “sectarian system of belief or worship,” if it proposes no creed, it does teach the necessity of a firm belief in the fundamental religious truths of Christianity. A frater, therefore-, may be a good templar, without being a member of a church of CHRIST; but he cannot be a devout, consistent Christian, and abjure the perceptive and comprehensive teachings of symbolic or templar masonry.

- Sir Albert G. Brice, Grand Commander of Louisiana, 1889

I hope you’ve enjoyed this rather lengthy article and if you’re coming to the Grand York Rite Session I will see you there, and I hope to see as many Sir Knights as possible at our annual inspection. 

Deo duce, ferro comitante,

Brandon Mullins, Commander 

Inspection Practices Scheduled

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Sir Knights,

After a series of discussions between the officers of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Commanderies, and consulting with members of Grand Commandery we have decided to continue our tradition of a joint inspection of Ann Arbor Commandery No. 13, and Ypsilanti Commandery No. 54. We hope this will be to the benefit of all Sir Knights in Washtenaw County, and make for a stronger inspection team.

In preparation for this inspection we have decided to hold an inspection practice at 7:00pm every Thursday at the Ypsilanti Masonic Temple until the inspection with a dress rehearsal with a live knighting taking part the week of. The only exception to this schedule will be when we take a week off to attend the Grand York Rite Session.

Sir Knights are expected to bring their sword and a head covering of some kind to all practices, though dress will be otherwise casual.

Our first practice begins tonight so I hope to see all who have been assigned parts there every week, and know we will give a stupendous performance to all those in attendance. 

Deo duce, ferro comitante,

Brandon Mullins, Commander 

Ann Arbor Fraternity No. 262: Tri-Lodge Picnic!

It’s that time again! Come out and support your Ann Arbor Blue Lodges! 

aaf262:

Sunday, 12:00- 4:00pm
Southeast Area Park (map)- Ellsworth at Platt across from recycling center
This picnic is sponsored and hosted by these Ann Arbors Masonic Lodges:
Ann Arbor-Fraternity # 262 ~ St. Mary’s Lodge # 4 ~ Golden Rule # 159

Join ALL the brothers, friends, and…

St Johns Day Table Lodge

aaf262:

The Brothers will gather to celebrate St. John’s Day at this very special event which places a special emphasis on the Summer Solstice, and the day of a patron Saint of Masonry, St. John the Baptist. 

Dinner, toasting, education, done the ancient Freemason way!

Brothers Only (All Degrees) ~ Dark suit or tux ~ Bring your apron!

RSVP/Buy Ticket using this link   $15 per Brother


 
The first 36 brothers to submit their $15 RSVP will take home a cool firing glass!

 
 
 
 
 

Join the Ann Arbor Masonic bodies at the Zal Gaz Grotto for this St Johns Day Table Lodge.

Commander's Comments | Jun 2012

Brandon Mullins - Ann Arbor No 13 Avatar.png

Sir Knights,

In my first letter addressing you as Commander of Ann Arbor Commandery No. 13, Knights Templar I’d first like to thank our installing staff, Eminent Grand Junior Warden, Don Trumbull serving as installing officer, and Eminent Commander of Adrian Commandery No. 4, Wes Tapp, who made our installation a fantastic success, the Sir Knights of Ann Arbor Commandery No. 13 who’s confidence in me has allowed me to take on this role, my loving wife and family that have supported me in all my masonic endeavors and the LORD who through all things are possible. 

In addition to the Sir Knights being installed that evening Sir Knight Arthur Davidge elevated to the rank of Honorary Past Commander via unanimous vote following a written motion from Paul Howell, PC, KYCH. Sir Art’s years of service within the Commandery as its Recorder, organizer, facilitator and as a ritualist certainly merit admiration and are worthy of imitation. He was presented with his Honorary Past Commander shoulder boards and jewel at the installation and we look forward to his continued support. 

In my speech following my installation I took a moment and talked about the history and chivalry that draw men to the commandery. I can speak for myself, but I also see in others this desire to embrace values and ideas that have been forgotten in much of the modern world, to look at the traditions of the past to build a better future, to not only appreciate men of character but to consider yourself among them. It is for these reasons that we become Knights Templar and do what we can to embrace their ideas of faith and chivalry in our every day, very modern lives.

It was because of this strong historical connection that I began to research the history of Ann Arbor Commandery in preparation for becoming its commander. While we trace our traditions back to an order founded in the 12th century, we found a glory of our own in the 19th here in America, and while I have been a student of the original Templars for much of my life, I wanted to learn of our direct forbearers as well.  Truly they found a prosperity of their own that dwarfs us today. Over the past few months I have been posting some of our findings on our web page, whether it’s news articles that prove our impact on the community, or pictures that fail to capture our vast numbers, you can see a history that carries a distinction of its own, where man took up the banner of the Templar and with their vast numbers and singing regalia declared their faith in Christ and dedication to the defense of innocent maidens, destitute widows, helpless orphans, and the Christian Religion. So alien a concept considering the world I grew up in, but perhaps that’s why I am so driven to see it revived. 

In this research I found many things, some trivial, some profound, but always interesting. Traditions long forgotten, territorial disputes long made irrelevant, but a passion for Templary that stands to this day. This week I will be posting the full “Historical Sketch of Ann Arbor Commandery No. 13 Knights Templar Ann Arbor, Michigan” compiled by Sir Knight Harrison H. Caswell, PC. This book served as an invaluable guide when searching through the archives and gave me more than a few interesting bits of information. For example, the founding members of Ann Arbor Commandery were all Knighted in Detroit Commandery and as such the Detroit Commandery regulation sword has traditionally been used as our own I also learned as one might expect we have long been an integral part of Ann Arbor history raising funds for the WWI war effort and serving as beloved fraternity to majors, judges professors at the recently moved University of Michigan, but what I didn’t expect was to learn that we spear headed the effort to build Ann Arbor Masonry’s second meeting place, and that this second temple is still completely intact. 

On the third floor above Urban Jewelers on Main in Ann Arbor with Templar symbols still adorning it sits a Masonic meeting place unused for over a century. The first meeting location for the Ann Arbor Masonic bodies was without running water or rest rooms, and its cramped conditions compelled Ann Arbor Commandery gather the Masonic bodies together to build this third floor on a building that was already in the process of being constructed at the time. It served not only as home to many of the Ann Arbor Masonic bodies in existence today but in fact was where Fraternity Lodge No. 262 was founded. 

Inside is a vast lodge room with high ceilings and the common markings that would tell any Mason who met here. Untouched by the owners, but weathered by time, the third floor has gone unused outside of the occasional use for storage and still stands as a testament to our history. It represents a time where Masonry was on the move, and Commandery helped to lead the charge. How many men were made masons, companions and sir knights in that room, what ideas ran through the minds of men when 262 was formed there, what do we carry with us due to this linage? I don’t know for sure, but it excites me. I long for a time where the Ann Arbor Masonic bodies meet together again, where we have the resources and manpower to move stone, and build buildings, and where time honored traditions guide our future. Will we reach this level again? I don’t know but with my sword as my companion and God as my leader I hope to move towards a future of stronger Masonry, through greater unity. 

I hope you have found my discoveries as interesting as I have, and I would like to thank my immediate predecessor Sir Knight Corey Curtiss, PC for accompanying me in the adventures that led to them. As usual our stated conclave will be on the third Monday which is 18th this month, and while we have no orders to confer, we do have a candidate in waiting who will be receiving his Royal Arch degrees over the next few months, and if all goes well he’ll be able to serve as our inspection candidate. Inspection practice schedules are forthcoming so keep an eye on the website, and I’ll be sure to keep you informed. 

Deo duce, ferro comitante,

Brandon Mullins, Commander 

“Symbolic masonry teaches the observances of the cardinal virtues admonishes to walk uprightly before God and man. In the asylum, a purely Christian institution, founded on the Christian religion, the Sir Knight, impressed with the spirit of chivalry, grounds his faith in the teachings of the Divine Master. If templarism has no “sectarian system of belief or worship,” if it proposes no creed, it does teach the necessity of a firm belief in the fundamental religious truths of Christianity. A frater, therefore-, may be a good templar, without being a member of a church of CHRIST; but he cannot be a devout, consistent Christian, and abjure the perceptive and comprehensive teachings of symbolic or templar masonry.”
— Sir Albert G. Brice, Grand Commander of Louisiana, 1889

Washtenaw Chapter No. 6, RAM & Ann Arbor Commandery No. 13, 2012-2013 Installation of Officers

Ann Arbor York Rite Emblem Avatar.png

Brothers, Companions, Sir Knights and Friends,

Please join the Washtenaw Chapter No. 6, Royal Arch Masons and Ann Arbor Commandery No. 13, Knights Templar as we install our officers for the 2012-2013 year. This event is open to the public and very well may be your last chance to attend an Ann Arbor York Rite installat

ion so please feel free to come out and join in the festivities. We’ll have snacks and fellowship starting at 6:30pm, the Chapter Installation will begin at 7:00pm, and the Commandery Installation will follow at 8:00pm. We hope to see you there!

I’ll also make mention that the installation team is still in need of members so if you’re familiar with the ceremony your help would be greatly appreciated!

From the Crypt | May 2012

Corey Curtiss - Ann Arbor No. 86 Avatar.gif

Greeting’s Companions, Ladies, and Family:

I hope you had a wonderful April and holiday celebration with your families. We had a very eventful April meeting, primarily revolving around discussion of our consolidation efforts with the other York Rite Bodies in Washtenaw County. The main course of which was our resolution to put the consolidation of Ann Arbor #86 into Union #11 in Ypsilanti. Shortly letters will be sent out to all members inviting them to an official vote and discussion at our next stated meeting on May 21st. The proposal will consolidate our resources and membership into one great Council that will work under the banner and charter of Union Council #11.

A group of representatives from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Milan have been working to determine the terms of our Consolidation. One aesthetic and historical concern is maintaining the lowest number as possible in the effort and all members of the consolidation committee agreed that it was important to maintain the lowest number and Oldest Charter (hence our consolidation into #11). Other concerns are being addressed such as meeting day, location, and line of officers. Please come to or send communication to our next stated meeting to help hash out details.

The executive leadership and active membership sees this as a positive move so that we may form a York Rite group focused on membership development and providing an added value experience to that membership instead of simply focusing on getting enough people to fill the chairs or even worse, finding enough people to open. We want our members to focus on their favorite parts of the York Rite and not just on the tedious process of keeping everybody going all the time. It’s this TIM’s hope that our current plan will put us on the path to growth and revitalization so the Washtenaw York Rite bodies united can thrive.

I hope to see you soon!

Corey F. Curtiss

Thrice Illustrious Master

Ann Arbor Council #86 

Commander’s Comments | May 2012

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Sir Knights,

I’d first like to start out by thanking the you all for sticking with me for another year. I’d like to think our commandery has made some improvements over the past year, but we still have a long way to go. So I deeply appreciate your confidence in me, and hope to have another amazing year in templary. In addition I’d like to apologize of not writing enough of these letters. A busy life and last minute changes in plans have kept me from getting them out on time if ever, and while updates to our website, calendar and Facebook page are nice, the importance of a personal letter is not lost on me and I pledge to get them out with more regularity this year. 

It seems I’ve had no shortage of opportunities to don my uniform this spring. On Palm Sunday we took part in Ypsilanti Commandery No.54’s Easter Observance at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Ypsilanti. 

The Wednesday following Easter I was up in Toronto and visited Cyrene Preceptory No. 29, where by pure happenstance was I able to visit them on a night when they were conferring the Order of the Temple, and come to find out this was the first time they had conferred the order in over two years. On top of that I had the honor of filling in as Sword Bearer!

And on Friday, April 12th my Junior Warden and I were fortunate enough to attend Detroit Commandery No. 1’s installation of officers, where Reverend and Sir Knight Pat Thompson was installed as Eminent Commander. 

Now, you might think that attending all these events would give me my fill of commandery for a while, but if anything they compel me to take part in more. Funny how it works that way. Speaking of which we have a few important things coming up for commandery: For starters our Right Eminent Grand Commander, Cortland Rule has invited us, and the rest of the Southeastern Battalion to commemorate the ascension of Jesus Christ at Holloway Raisin Presbyterian Church for Adrian Commandery No. 4’s Ascension Observance, Sunday, May 5th. We will assemble at 9:15am, and the church service will begin at 9:30am. This is a full uniformed event and your families are invited. So we hope to see every Sir Knight who can make it in attendance.

We also have some work of our own to do. We have two Knights of Malta in waiting to receive the Order of the Temple. Adrian Commandery has agreed to help us with one of the knightings and the way it’s looking we’ll save the other for our inspection. A scheduling conflict caused our original date to fall through so we’re currently looking to set up another, so please keep an eye on our website and calendar for the latest information. In addition, inspection season is right around the corner so dates for practices and the inspection itself will be popping up soon, so once again, be sure to keep an eye out for those. Speaking of our calendar we recently had to change calendar services so our new calendar is located here as well as our website, aayorkrite.org. 

April’s meeting was in fact a very busy one. In addition to elections, and annual reports we voted on two honorary statuses which will be officially announced later, and voted to at long last produce new commandery jewels for the members of our commandery. Because of that, for this letter I had hoped to provide you with a history of our jewel complete with who originally created it, and the timeline of production. Well, after digging through our records I’m sad to say most the details are probably lost to the ages. However I was able to put together a few images of our jewels evolution, and will give you a little insight into the meaning behind it. 

The earliest record of our jewel I could find was an article in the “Ann Arbor Argus” newspaper dated August 19, 1892 which was in fact a summary of a “Denver Times” article from August 8, 1892 which detailed Ann Arbor Commandery’s trip to Denver and gave information on the commandery as a whole.  In it they described the armorial crest which makes up the jewel and our legend upon it, Deo duce ferro comitante which signifies ‘God for my leader, my sword for my companion.’ The phrase itself is often credited as the official motto of the Earl of Charlemount, Ireland but it’s thought to be much older, and served as traditional motto for Sir Knights throughout Ireland and beyond. 

The jewel itself is known to have had at least two versions. One of which is a copper stamping, and the other cast in silver with portions plated in gold. I’ve yet to find a date on a copper version, and the only one known to be in masonic hands is on display at the Detroit Masonic Temple, but the silver and gold design dates back to at least the 1920s, and is believed to have been produced for far longer than any other. In heraldic tradition the use of silver and gold on an armorial crest signifies peace & sincerity along with generosity & elevation of the mind, and the swords in saltire behind it pointing upward signifies a readiness to fight evil. That along with the traditional Templar symbol of the red cross, and the crown above it makes for both a handsome and meaningful crest.  The colors of the ribbon are unsurprisingly said to represent the University of Michigan, which has obvious implications of education and support for our local community but given the definition of “maize and blue” has changed over the years, the blue on the ribbon was much lighter. 

When we began discussing which version to reproduce, the silver and gold design was the obvious choice, but we didn’t ignore the older versions entirely and took cues from them on some of the finer details and updated the colors of the ribbon to match contemporary University of Michigan colors. The jewel is currently being worked on Hattrick’s Merchandise and Service located in Arizona which also recently reproduced Northville Commandery’s jewel, so I have every confidence in their abilities, and they should be available for June’s stated conclave. 

Speaking of upcoming conclaves have decided to cancel May’s conclave due to it falling on the annual Grand Lodge session, but remember we still have the Ascension Service on May 5th, and Ann Arbor Council No. 86 will be taking a road trip up to Pontiac for their Council All Degree Day, so don’t think for a second that the Ann Arbor York Rite is taking the month off. We have plenty to do and plenty to plan for.

So, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and I’d just like to remind you to keep up with our website, keep up with our calendar, and keep reading the Ann Arbor Masonic News as we have a lot going on these days and we’d love to see you there.

Deo duce, ferro comitante,

Brandon Mullins, Commander

Region 3 Meritorious Service Award Dinner

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Join Washtenaw Chapter No. 6, and the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Michigan as we honor 2011 Michigan - Region 3 Meritorious Service Award Recipient, Companion, Arthur W. Davidge.

The event will be held on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at the Clarion Hotel and Conferen

…

ce Center at 2900 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Reception: 6:00pm

Dinner: 6:30pm

Buffet (Roast Beef & Turkey) 25.00 per person

Send reservations no later than May 1st to:

secretary6@aayorkrite.org

or the Washtenaw Chapter No. 6 office using the flyer found below:

4551 N. Maple Rd.

Ann Arbpr, MI 48105

Event Flyer

http://www.pershgo.com/2011%20Meritorious%20Service%20Award%20Dinner.pdf

High Priest’s Address | Apr 2012

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Greetings Friends & Companions,

Two years has gone by so fast. It was in April of 2010 that I, with much anticipation was elected as High Priest of Washtenaw Chapter No. 6. At the time I had a 3 week old son, and an excitement only tempered by the sleeplessness that comes from a colicky infant and his 15 month old sister. Now as I prepare to celebrate my son’s second birthday, I with mixed feelings see my term coming to an end. On Monday, April 15th a new High Priest will be elected and I hope that I’m able to present him with a chapter that’s grown stronger over these past two years. In this time we’ve gained 6 new members including brother Thane Domrase, and Brother Robert Blackburn who received their Past Master Degree last month. We’ve started a practice of providing our new members with a newly designed chapter penny that has their personal mark engraved on it, restarted the practice of giving out ornate membership certificates, created a new website and social media pages for the Ann Arbor York Rite as a whole and reclaimed or replaced much of our regalia we lost with the Ann Arbor Masonic Temple. And though I certainly know there is more I could have done I’m proud at what we’ve accomplished not only in providing a better experience to our new candidates but meshing as a fraternity even while saying goodbye to companions whose travels took them elsewhere.

So to end my last letter as High Priest, I will end it how I’ve ended all of them, with Dominus Vobiscum, Lord be with you. Often ignored, but at times controversial, I’ve signed off on nearly every official correspondence as High Priest for the past two years with the phrase Dominus Vobiscum. To translate it simply, it means LORD be with you, and has its roots in the Vulgate translation of the Bible. The phrase is spoken by Boaz, Saul and the Spirit of the LORD himself in the Vulgate, and can still be heard today in Latin or another language in a number of Catholic and Anglican churches across the world, and the Hebrew version specifically, Adonai Immachem is often heard in Synagogues as a man comes up to read the Torah. I, growing up protestant never heard the phrase in church, but when I came across it in my studies it immediately resonated with me and I grew attached to it. I suppose I could speak it in any language, but in its Latin form its global usage, from the Catholic Church down the street to the churches of Kerala in India appealed to me along with the simple sound of such a strong Latin phrase. As a salutation it has never carried the wide spread usage of other cultural and religious greetings like Namaste or As-Salāmu `Alaykum, but I find I have an appreciation for it none the less, and find it particularly appropriate for the Royal Arch. The motto of Royal Arch Masonry is Holiness to the LORD, a reference to the phrase inscribed on the Tzitz, or crown of the Kohen Gadol, or Jewish High Priest. This was worn to atone for haughtiness to remind both the wearer and the audience that no matter the circumstance we owe all things to the LORD. In that sense Dominus Vobiscum is not dissimilar, because to wish for the presence of the LORD to be upon someone you are doing so in recognition of the LORD, as you know him being the source of every good and the architect of every gift. In that sense I find Dominus Vobiscum to be all encompassing wishing every good upon a person because without the LORD no such things are possible.

I’ve enjoyed the past two years and I hope I’ve served you well, but remember companions, the chapter cannot stand without your help so if you have been waiting for the opportunity to join or become active within the chapter, this is that time. Elections are next month, and with them a renewal that fits the spring season in which they take place. So if you are able, I hope to see you take part in this process and begin a new year for Washtenaw Chapter No. 6, Royal Arch Masons.

Dominus Vobiscum,

Brandon Mullins, HP 

From the Crypt | Apr 2012

Corey Curtiss - Ann Arbor No. 86 Avatar.gif

Greetings Companions,

I hope this message finds you and your families doing well!

Our regularly scheduled March School of Instruction was cancelled as our new Arch Deputy was otherwise detained.We will be rescheduling it for our Council meeting on Monday, April 16th at 6:30 p.m. We are starting early as the Chapter and Commandery will be conducting its annual meeting and elections that night as well. I hope you can be in attendance to receive some excellent instruction on the degree work of the Cryptic rite.

It’s my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Past Grand Master, Most Illustrious Companion Bill Skrepnek, 33 degree on the morning of 21 March 2012.Please keep his widow, Lady Doris in your prayers. I had the pleasure of being present during the installation proceedings of Flushing Lodge in December 2011.Bill performed every part (except that of Marshal of course) word perfect and with great enthusiasm.He will be greatly missed.

The weather here in southeastern Michigan is unseasonably warm.I hope you’re enjoying it!And to our Companions in other states:we miss you!Until our next meeting!

Yours in Cryptic Masonry,

Corey F. Curtiss

Thrice Illustrious Master

Ann Arbor Council #86